OIL SERVICE​​

Synthetic oil is exactly what it sounds like: an engine lubricant created artificially from chemical compounds. Some classes of synthetic oil start with conventional oil as a base that's then chemically altered to produce synthetic oil, while others may be artificially created from other raw materials. In contrast, conventional motor oil (also referred to as standard oil or mineral-based oil), is refined from naturally occurring crude oil.

Expert mechanics say synthetic oil does offer specific advantages over conventional motor oil. With synthetic, the oil’s ability to do its job within the car engine is superior to mineral-based oil. The primary purposes of synthetic oils are to reduce engine wear during cold start-up and drive-away, and to avoid or reduce oil degradation.

In a nutshell, synthetic oil is thinner, resists temperature extremes better and generally lasts longer. You likely won’t notice any difference in how your car performs, but the durability characteristic is the most important from a car owner’s perspective, as it translates to less frequent oil changes compared to conventional motor oil.

The fundamental difference is that synthetic oil can go longer before it starts to break down when compared to conventional oil.

Although recommended oil change intervals vary by vehicle manufacturer, in general, a good rule of thumb to follow is to change conventional motor oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Synthetic oil and some manufacturers, intervals between oil changes can be longer. Some mechanics, though, say you should change your oil every 5,000 miles even with synthetic oil.

Do some vehicles require synthetic oil?

Whether or not synthetic oil is right - or required - for your vehicle first depends on what type of vehicle you drive, mechanics say. New and late-model vehicles from European makes such as BMW, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and Audi typically require the use of full synthetic oil. New vehicles from Subaru, some Hondas and Toyotas (typically hybrids), and some high performance cars also require synthetic oil.

Always check your owner's manual, If synthetic oil is required, you risk losing any warranty coverage for an engine problem if you fail to comply, even if there is no direct connection between the problem and the oil you chose.Why oil changes are important.

Considering that an oil change can cost about as much or less than a full tank of gasoline for many drivers, they're a relatively cheap investment to prolong the life of your vehicle.

Oil service is the most important thing you can do for your car. Preventive maintenance doesn’t cost money, it saves you money.

And whether you use conventional motor oil or synthetic, regular oil changes by a qualified mechanic can help ensure longer life for all your car’s mechanicals.